Destiny's Dream

by Jen Talty

  She swallowed. “I have no idea. I don’t like the stupid things and probably haven’t eaten one since my late teens.”

  “Do you have an ex-boyfriend who has a thing for them?”

  She shook her head. “If someone sent me homemade pumpkin pie, that might mean something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It was my ex’s favorite dessert. I made him one, but I didn’t pay attention to the ingredients and instead of using sugar, I used salt. He took the biggest bite and damn near choked. He always thought I’d done it on purpose.”

  “Why would he think that?”

  “Because I had accused him of cheating on me.” She wouldn’t ever forget that day. Not only had he thrown the pie at her, but his fist landed on her cheek.

  “Was he?”

  She nodded. “He denied it until I caught them. That was the end of that. I packed up my things and made plans to move here.”

  “How long ago was that?”

  “It’s been about a year.” Of course, during that time she was basically locked up in one hotel after the other.

  “When was the last time you talked with your ex? What did you say his name was?”

  She narrowed her gaze, curling the left side of her mouth. “I never told you his name, and it’s been months. He’s moved on.” Not really, the bastard was just sitting in jail.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Why don’t you just come out and say that you believe I’m not being truthful with you. That you think I’m keeping some pertinent information about fucking Ho Hos.”

  Coop yelped, followed by a whine.

  “Are you being truthful? Because all I’m trying to do is get to the bottom of a case that makes no sense at all.”

  “Look. Ho Hos mean nothing to me. You should be asking what they mean to Jake because who else would be pulling this kind of shit on me.”

  “I have. His mom said he doesn’t like them. He’s more of a chip guy. Cool Ranch Doritos, I believe.” Mason leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I think Jake is involved in something way over his head.” He held up his hand. “I can’t get into the details. However, if he is involved in this other thing, it makes even less sense that he’d spend his time fucking with you. I’m just trying to connect the dots.”

  Ding. Dong.

  She dropped her head back on the sofa and closed her eyes. Trouble seemed to follow her from one life to the next. Only, at this point, she couldn’t imagine Lucas was behind this. He certainly didn’t like Ho Hos.

  “Thanks for coming,” Mason said.

  Blinking her eyes open, she watched as Blaine gathered the box, putting it in a large plastic bag.

  “Both my prints and Destiny’s are on the box.”

  Her breath caught in her chest. She’d have to let Sterling know that her prints are now being run though a cop database.

  “Good to know. When did the box arrive?” Blaine asked.

  “This morning. The delivery person said it was from Joey’s Deli,” she said.

  “Joey’s has their own delivery truck, and Tori generally does all the deliveries.”

  “It wasn’t Tori. The woman was maybe five foot four. On the heavy side. I’d guess her to be in her late forties. Blonde hair. Brown eyes. She wore a blue shirt and tan slacks. She looked like a delivery person. I don’t remember anything being on the van at all.” Mason rubbed the back of his neck. “Shit. I should have questioned that when the box was delivered.”

  “I’m just impressed you remember all that. About the only thing I remember…well, crap.”

  “What?”

  “When she pulled out, she waved, and she had a pack of those stupid cake things in her hand.”

  “That’s weird,” Blaine said. “Why would anyone send you Ho Hos?”

  “That’s the million-dollar question,” she muttered. “I honestly can’t think of anyone.”

  “I’ll get this to the lab. Hopefully we’ll be able to get a print off it,” Blaine said.

  “I’ll walk you to your car.” Mason followed Blaine to the front door.

  Destiny snagged her phone and the second the door snapped shut, she called Sterling.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know. But I’m starting to get freaked out. Either this kid is a total whack job, or something else is going on here, and maybe we should tell my landlord who I really am. They just gathered evidence that has my prints on it.”

  “Your prints will come up as Destiny Baker. You have nothing to worry about. But telling your landlord who you are is a bad idea. The more people who know the truth, the more likely something bad will happen. I do know that we have an ongoing investigation with someone involved with this Jake kid, so you don’t have to worry that Lucas found you. It’s something else altogether. As far as Jake tormenting you, let the local police handle it. I’ve heard great things about the chief of police and your landlord.”

  “You really think I’m safe?”

  “You’re safe from Lucas.”

  “You’re really not reassuring me,” she mumbled.

  “I’m keeping my finger on this, so I’ll call you if you need to do something, okay?”

  “All right.”

  The sound of an engine revving caught her attention. Blaine backed out of the driveway, and Mason made his way to the front door.

  Pull it together. She shoved her phone in her back pocket and shook out her hands. No one was trying to kill her.

  Just scare the shit out of her.

  She jumped when the door slammed shut. “Jesus,” she mumbled.

  “Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.”

  Coop rolled onto his side and let out a slight snarl, totally unfazed by the events of the evening.

  “Easily done these days.”

  “I didn’t mean to give you the third degree. I’m just trying to make sense of this. Blaine just informed me that Dean is being pulled from his medical coma in the morning, so we’re hoping he’ll be able to shed some light on this crazy situation. In the meantime, I don’t want you to be alone, but leaving Coop with you overnight isn’t going to make me sleep soundly, nor you.”

  “I can handle Coop.”

  “Trust me. He’s a pain in the ass in the middle of the night. I once left him at my sister’s, and he went nuts. He’s still a puppy. Anyway, I think you should stay at my place.”

  “Excuse me?”

  He raised his hands, showing both his palms. “I’ve got two bedrooms, so you’ll have one all to yourself. It’s better than me sleeping on the sofa again. Besides, I want to install a couple of security cameras, and maybe we can see who has a fetish for Ho Hos.”

  “You want to set them up tonight?” It was pushing eight in the evening, and she had to get up at seven in the morning to head over to the bed and breakfast so she could make sure everything was ready for the party by one. It was going to be a long day, and all she wanted to do was take a bath and go to bed.

  “I won’t be able to do it tonight, which is another reason I think you should bunk at my house until I get the new security system up and running. Why don’t you go gather what you need for the night, and I’ll order a pizza?”

  Her mouth watered, and her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t had anything to eat since lunch. “I don’t like being scared out of my own home.”

  “I don’t blame you, but I hope you’re not going to argue with me about it.”

  “And if I do?”

  “Then I guess I’m sleeping on the sofa again.”

  She let out a long breath. “Fine. I’ll go to your place.”

  The last time Mason had a woman spend the night had turned out to be one of the worst encounters he’d ever had. He cringed remembering how he’d managed to insult his date without even trying. He rubbed his cheek. That had been the only time a woman had slapped him.

  Sadly, he’d deserved it.

  He told himself that he wouldn’t even try to kiss Destiny. That t
he only reason he wanted her to spend the night was out of concern for her safety.

  Not because he wanted to be the toy in her bathtub.

  He clicked off the downstairs light and headed up to his bedroom. He’d purposely waited a full hour from when she had gone up so he wouldn’t be tempted to check on her.

  Coop raced up the stairs, and before Mason could even open his mouth, Coop had managed to push open the guest bedroom door.

  “Coop, get back here,” Mason called.

  “What the fuck?” Destiny yelled. Her scream was followed by a thud.

  He hoped it was the damn dog on the floor and not Destiny.

  Unfortunately, Coop rested his head on the pillow, and Destiny was sitting on the ground, rubbing her ass.

  “I’m so sorry. That door doesn’t latch well.”

  “Obviously.”

  He bent over and helped her to her feet, trying to ignore the fact she wore only a tiny tank top and a pair of boxers. Her nipples puckered, and the moonlight filtering through the window only made them stand out even more.

  The thin shirt came to about an inch above her belly button.

  He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He cleared his throat. “Are you okay?” He gripped her hips, keeping her steady, but he suspected that if he let go, he’d probably fall over. The woman made him dizzy. “Do you need ice or anything?”

  “Me and my butt are fine.” She patted his chest.

  “Your ass is spectacular.”

  She cocked her head.

  “Sorry. It was kind of impossible not to look.”

  “Is that the same as why your thumbs are making little circles on my skin?”

  “Yeah. Your skin is pretty fantastic too.” He slipped his hand around her back, pulling her to his chest. “Your hair smells like cucumbers.”

  “And what have you been drinking since I went to bed?”

  “I barely had a beer.” He tilted his head. His track record with women was pretty shitty, and there were a million red flags when it came to Destiny. He should be taking a step back, learning more about her and her past. There were so many unknowns that jumping into bed with her would be a stupid move.

  Then again, if he didn’t take a risk, he’d never know.

  Now he sounded like his damn mother.

  “You’re a beautiful woman.” He pressed his lips on her cheek near her earlobe.

  Her body trembled as he let out a long breath. Her fingers dug into his shoulder blades. “What are you doing?” she whispered.

  “Exactly what I said I wouldn’t. I don’t know anything about you really, and yet I find myself thinking about you all day and night.”

  “I’m flattered.”

  “I’ve had some pretty shitty relationships in the past, and I’m gun-shy.” Talk about ripping open his heart and putting it out there.

  “Hey, my ex ran off with our dog walker. I’m really not interested in a relationship. I’m sorry.” She dropped her hands to her sides.

  “How about just sex?” Did he just say that out loud? Instinctively, he palmed his own cheek. “I’m sorry; that was rude.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, it was.”

  “I like you.” Now that was lame.

  “I find myself feeling the same way about you, only you’re my landlord and you’re a cop. I don’t do cops.”

  “You’ve said that before. Why?” He sat on the edge of the bed, and thankfully, she joined him. “We’re the good guys.”

  “I know. And thank you for your service.”

  He nodded. “So, why wouldn’t you want to date one?”

  “I just said that to get you to back off.”

  “Oh, so I still have half a chance?”

  “You’re sitting next to me on a bed, and I’m half naked; I’d say you have a pretty good chance of me changing my mind.”

  Before he could react, his phone rang. “Shit.” He glanced at the screen. “It’s work. I’ve got to take it.”

  “No problem.” She plopped herself back on the bed and snuggled with Coop.

  “What’s up?” he asked, holding the phone to his ear.

  “I need you at the park, now.”

  “Why? What’s going on?” Mason asked as he stood.

  “We found a body, and we think it’s Jake’s.”

  “Jesus.” Mason glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll be right there.”

  “What’s wrong?” Destiny lunged to a sitting position. Coop stretched before jumping to the floor.

  “I can’t get into it. Take Coop and go into my bedroom. There’s a television in there if you can’t sleep. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but don’t answer the door for anyone except me. If I’m not back before you have to head over to Kaylee’s, call me. I’ll make sure someone gets you there safely.”

  She fisted her hand in his shirt. “Something really bad happened, didn’t it?”

  “I’ll text you when I know more.” He kissed her forehead.

  He jogged down the stairs and snagged his gun and badge before leaving from the back door. He made sure it was locked before making his way toward the path. He glanced over his shoulder. The light in his bedroom lined her silhouette.

  His phone buzzed.

  Destiny: Be safe out there.

  Mason: Always. Now try to get some rest. Oh. FYI. Coop sleeps in bed with me, sorry.

  Destiny: I would have let him sleep with me anyway. Why are you going through the woods?

  Mason: I’ll text you soon.

  Now it was time to call in the calvary.

  Mason: I’ve been called to a crime scene. Any chance you can check on my place? Destiny and Coop are there.

  Toby: You’ve got a chick in your bed. Nice.

  Mason: Can you do it?

  Toby: My wife might not be too thrilled about me leaving, but she’ll be tickled pink to know you got laid.

  Shoving his phone in his back pocket, he waved to Destiny.

  He hated leaving her there like that, but until he knew more about the situation, he didn’t really have much to tell her.

  Red lights flashed in the sky as he stepped into the clearing.

  A fire engine, an ambulance, two sheriff’s cars, a crime unit vehicle, a car that could only be owned by the FBI, and Blaine’s truck filled the parking lot. A rescue boat with divers were docked at the public ramp.

  Scott, his ex’s husband, greeted him at the edge of the lake. “Toby says you’ve got yourself a hottie.”

  “What?”

  “He just sent out a group text about the new girl being in bed with you and your dog.”

  “Toby’s a dick, and nothing is going on. Yet.” Mason held up his hand. “Now kindly tell me what is going on.”

  Scott ran a hand down his face. “I don’t want to be the one to tell Angie that Jake’s dead.”

  “Are we sure its him?”

  “Well, as sure as we can be without checking his dental records. His body was decomposed some, and the medical examiner thinks he’s been dead for a few days, but yeah, it’s him.”

  “Fuck. Any idea how he died?” Mason followed Scott toward the edge of the lake where Blaine stood talking with Sally.

  “I’ll let them fill you in.”

  Mason nodded. His heart raced like a bat out of hell the closer he got to the body laid on the ground inside a plastic bag, though not zipped up yet. He’d seen his share of dead bodies between his four years in the military and his time as a cop.

  It never got easier, especially when it was a kid.

  He didn’t care what they did, no one deserved to be pulled from the bottom of a lake.

  “How do you think he died?” Mason knelt in front of the bloated body. The temperature of the lake had been unseasonably warm this year, and the decomposition of the body reflected that.

  Which meant Jake probably wasn’t the one harassing Destiny.

  A thought he pushed to the back his mind.

  For now.

  “There are two bullets in his che
st, but other than that, no idea,” Blaine said.

  “Wasn’t there a gunshot call a couple of days ago over by the Babcock place?” Mason asked.

  “There was, but nothing came of it,” Blaine said. “It’s not like we don’t hear guns out here all the time.”

  Mason rubbed the back of his neck. “That was the same day I chased someone from my backyard to here. Is that Rivers guy still in town?”

  “He is,” Sally said. “I’ve had eyes on him and Trip.”

  “But not the entire time, right?” Blaine asked.

  “More on Trip than Rivers, and so far, all Rivers has done is look at properties here and in surrounding towns.” Sally glanced around. “Let’s talk over there.” She walked toward the picnic tables where there was no one milling about. “We know Rivers is George’s lawyer, but he’s also a lawyer to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. We’re sure he bends the law, but what asshole criminal lawyer doesn’t.”

  “What does any of this have to do with our dead kid?” Mason asked.

  “We have two witnesses that say they saw Jake with Trip at his new place of employment a few weeks ago,” Sally said.

  “Why?”

  “That we’re not sure of. But we saw Jake hanging around Trip more than once. Trip has been seen with Dean who was also seen with Rivers.” Sally pulled out an image. “One of my agents followed Trip to a diner over in Relcor. There, he met with Rivers. My agent saw what looked like a money exchange. Two hours later, Trip met with Dean. They got into a heated argument, and Dean stormed off.”

  “How long ago was that?” Mason asked.

  “The day before Dean was beaten up.” Sally tucked the picture back in her suit coat. “Yesterday, Angie’s mom let us search Jake’s bedroom, and we found five thousand dollars in cash.”

  “No fucking way,” Blaine said. “What is a teenage kid doing with that kind of money?”

  “The best part is that it’s counterfeit,” Sally said. “And one more thing. We spoke to Rhonda, and she told us that Jake had been at her place with her dad on numerous occasions. She told us that Jake stole money from Trip.”